Ford Mustang II Photos & Pictures

Year-by-year (Ford Mustang II, 1974-1978)

The 1973 downsizing and the Pinto platform

The Ford Mustang II was conceived as a smaller, lighter car than the 1971-1973 first-generation Mustang, which had grown to the largest bodies in the model's history. Ford built the 1974 Mustang II on the subcompact Pinto platform with a 96.2 in wheelbase, and the timing aligned with the 1973 oil crisis that pushed American buyers toward smaller cars. The 1974 Mustang II was the first Mustang to use rack-and-pinion steering, and it was sold only as a two-door notchback coupe or a three-door hatchback (2+2). Motor Trend named the 1974 Mustang II its Car of the Year.

Engines: the Lima four, the Cologne V6, and the returning 302

The 1974 Mustang II launched with no V8. Buyers chose the 2.3L (140 cu in) Lima SOHC inline-four, which was the first metric-dimensioned engine manufactured in the United States, or the 2.8L (171 cu in) Cologne V6. For 1975, Ford reintroduced the 302 cu in (5.0L) Windsor V8 as an option on the Mustang II. This V8 used a two-barrel carburetor and a catalytic converter, hardware of the tightening emissions standards of the mid-1970s, and produced modest net horsepower compared with earlier Mustang V8s. Output figures for this era are quoted in SAE net rather than the older gross standard. The 2.3L Lima four would go on to serve the Mustang line for years, including the Fox-body 1979-1993 cars.

Trims and packages: Ghia, Mach 1, Cobra II, and King Cobra

The Ford Mustang II offered a range of trim and appearance variants rather than the big-block performance models of the first generation. The Ghia was the luxury trim of the Mustang II, named for the Italian coachbuilder Ford owned, with upgraded interior appointments. The Mach 1 returned as a sport-oriented variant, available with the V6 and later the V8. For 1976, the Cobra II appearance package added racing stripes, spoilers and Cobra graphics. For 1978, the King Cobra topped the range, a 302 V8 hatchback carrying a large coiled-snake hood decal, a front air dam and bold tape graphics. These packages emphasized styling and equipment within the emissions-era powertrains rather than raw output.

End of the line and what followed

1978 was the final model year of the Ford Mustang II. For 1979, Ford replaced it with the third-generation Mustang on the new Fox platform, a larger and more conventionally proportioned car shared with the Ford Fairmont. The Mustang II's 2.3L Lima four carried over into the Fox-body cars. Across its five model years the Mustang II sold in large numbers, roughly 1.1 million units, with the strongest sales in the 1974 launch year.

Frequently asked questions

Did the 1974 Ford Mustang II offer a V8?

No. The 1974 Ford Mustang II was sold only with the 2.3L (140 cu in) Lima SOHC inline-four or the 2.8L (171 cu in) Cologne V6. The 302 cu in (5.0L) Windsor V8 did not return as an option until the 1975 Mustang II.

What platform is the Ford Mustang II based on?

The Ford Mustang II (1974-1978) is built on the subcompact Ford Pinto platform, with a 96.2 in wheelbase. It was a deliberate downsizing from the larger 1971-1973 first-generation Mustang.

Was the Ford Mustang II the first Mustang with rack-and-pinion steering?

Yes. The 1974 Ford Mustang II introduced rack-and-pinion steering to the Mustang line, a change from the recirculating-ball systems used on first-generation cars.

What was the King Cobra on the 1978 Mustang II?

The King Cobra was the top variant of the 1978 Ford Mustang II, a 302 cu in (5.0L) V8 hatchback distinguished by a large coiled-snake hood decal, a front air dam and bold tape graphics. It was offered only in the final 1978 model year.

Did the Ford Mustang II win any awards?

Yes. The 1974 Ford Mustang II was named Motor Trend Car of the Year for 1974, the first year of the Pinto-based second generation.

Sources

This Ford Mustang II history draws on Ford factory model-year literature and brochures (1974-1978), period road tests and the Motor Trend Car of the Year coverage, standard Mustang reference works and marque registries, and engine and platform specifications cross-checked against multiple enthusiast and historical references. Production totals are approximate and reflect commonly cited figures across these sources.